Olympians, world class mountaineers, MBAs and doctorates, entrepreneurs and overachievers have all graced our humble operation with their influence. They come for the lifestyle and stay because this place is good for you. We find employees love this place as they’re own. They care and that means guests enjoy unsurpassed service.

We’d like to introduce you to some of our staff. If you see them during your visit they’d love for you to say hello.

Myrna Boulding – Founder

Hometown:

Comox, B.C; now Strathcona Park Lodge since 1973

Typical day on the job:

Retired from the day to day demands of the business Myrna still putters away to make the Lodge as attractive as possible. She works in the gardens and has input in the kitchen too, ensuring meals are healthy and delicious.

Claim to fame:

Co-founder of the Lodge with her husband Jim Boulding, Myrna is now Strathcona’s historian; her book, Living on the Edge, recounts the Lodge’s first 50 years. Her wisdom and interest in health and well being, particularly with regard to food, is recognized in the name of the a la carte restaurant on property, Myrna’s.

Stats:

Bachelor of Home Economics from the University of British Columbia

Certified teacher

Redding University Regional Planning PhD course

About 15 years of teaching high school

Founded Strathcona with her late husband in 1959.

Why Strathcona:

It wasn’t her idea. “It was Jim’s dream to have a summer camp for boys,” she says. “I felt like a city girl.” But as getting Strathcona going became an all demanding child, sucking up the young couples money and time, she grew to share the dream. When Jim died from cancer in 1986 Myrna took the reigns. While experiential education has always been a focus, Myrna gravitated more towards the tourism side of the business. “We can’t afford to only be about one thing, we need to stay diversified,” she says. “We’re continually fixing the place up to make it better, tidier and a little more polished.”

Favourite place at the Lodge:

Dripping with fruit and oversized veggies, her garden has become her passion. Sitting just north of the Whale Room you can almost see the plants grow under her green thumb. Picky eaters who won’t touch veggies anywhere else eat lettuce right out of the ground here.

Jamie Boulding and Christine Clarke

The dynamic duo keep the Lodge humming; Jamie runs the outdoor operations, while Christine manages finance and administration. With up to 70 staff and infrastructure to accommodate 150 to 200 guests they essentially run a small town off the grid.

Jamie Boulding – President

Hometown:

Campbell River, B.C., now Strathcona Park Lodge since 1973

Typical day on the job:

Jamie is responsible for running the organization with a focus on empowering and training the employees. He’s the face of the Lodge and steers how the Lodge fits in the world. He also helps out whenever his extensive knowledge and experience is needed. A master of many skills, that may be plumber, contractor, general fixer, purchaser (even though “I’m cheap and don’t like shopping) and instructor. He’s been teaching COLT paddling programs since he was a teenager.

Claim to fame:

A former national team rower and captain of the University of British Columbia basketball team, Jamie also competed at a high level in dragon boat paddling and white water kayaking. Around the Lodge people know the humble, 6’6″ giant more for his encyclopedic knowledge of just about everything to do with running the place.

Stats:

Placed 4th in rowing at the Pan-American Games

Canadian rowing Champion

Co captain of the UBC Thunderbird basketball team in 1985 that placed 2nd in the CIS

Sea kayak examining guide and master instructor

Guide trainer for Paddle Canada

Small water system operator

Radio Operator

Why Strathcona:

Jamie started working at the Lodge as a teenager. After university he returned full time in 1986 and started managing the business in 1992. Running the operation with his wife Christine, Jamie’s goal is to “find a balance between a minimum footprint and creating the maximum impact for guests and staff.”

Favourite place at the Lodge:

Anywhere on Lodge property as long as he’s outside and feeling like he’s doing something tangible. “It could be pruning trees or kayaking on the lake,” he says.

Christine Clarke – Executive Director

Hometown:

Embro, Ontario; now Strathcona Park Lodge since 1992

Typical day on the job:

Christine oversees the internal decisions that govern the day to day operations of the Lodge, from human resources to running the office, programming to interacting with clients. Along with Jamie she steers the decisions that position Strathcona in the world.

Claim to fame:

A national team rower from 1983 to 1988, Christine’s highlights were two world championships and a Commonwealth Games Gold Medal. In 2003 Princeton University honoured Christine and recognized the Lodge with the Josh Miner ’43 Award for outstanding contributions to the field of experiential education.

Stats:

Bronze medalist, 1978 world junior rowing championships.

4th place at the 1984 Olympics and a gold at the 1986 Commonwealth Games

In the 1985-86 bronze medalists at the world rowing championships

1986 Commonwealth gold medalist.

Broad based bachelor degree from Princeton University.

Masters degree in public administration from the University of Victoria.

Why Strathcona:

Her job provides “endless opportunities to learn,” she says. “The job has tremendous scope; so many different things demand my attention. It’s not possible to be bored.” It’s also a wonderful place to live and raise kids.

Favourite place at the Lodge:

Escalante, a remote, white sand beach on Vancouver Island’s west coast, where wolves, humpbacks and sea otters are the most likely visitors. “But with the right crowd it could be anywhere – a fun party in the Barn for instance,” she says.

Gai Kay – Guests Services Director

Hometown:

Taree, Australia, now Gold River, B.C. for last 33 years

Typical day on the job:

Gai oversees everything that goes on in the office and by extension much of the Lodge. She’s also a veteran Events Manager having planned and organized 93 weddings and even more family gatherings. Unofficially she’s the onsite counsellor, the chair in her office always welcoming in a crisis. “A lot of the staff see me as a surrogate mother,” she says. “The come to me to vent. It keeps me young, as well. My kids are older than many of the staff.”

Claim to fame:

An admitted hockey nut and long suffering Vancouver Canucks fan, Gai learned to play hockey when she was 36 and went on to coach one of her sons’ teams. The highlight of her coaching career came when a team she was coaching got to play during the intermission of a Canucks game. She also has an impressive home garden; the flowers in the office are often picked from it.

Stats:

Raised three boys.

Ran a fishing lodge in Nootka Sound for 10 years.

Successfully organized 93 weddings as Strathcona’s Events Manager.

Why Strathcona:

“I just really enjoy the people and what I do,” she says. Even though there are bunch of new staff every year they are always “incredible people,” she says. “They are always nice, respectful and encouraging.”

Favourite place at the Lodge:

The short hike along the Pierce-Evans and Bog trails is a perfect way to unwind from a day of work, spend some time in the bush and get some exercise.

Jim Miller – COLT Director

Hometown:

born in Minnesota, now Campbell River

Typical day on the job:

During the winter, when no COLT programs are running, Jim’s job is part time and pretty routine: answering emails and chatting with potential students, scheduling staff, budgeting. But when the first program starts up in May, everything changes. “It becomes the best job on Earth,” he says. When he’s not working on land permits, safety awareness, logistics and quality control he’s out in the field teaching the climbing and mountaineering components.

Claim to fame:

The quiet time in Jim’s job dovetails with winter, which is just fine with him – skiing is his passion. He loves it in all its forms from skate skiing on a crisp clear morning to hunting for powder turns in the backcountry – as long as he’s sliding on two sticks he’s happy.

Stats:

Humble and preferring to shine the spotlight on others, Jim will only say his expertise comes from experience: “I have been teaching outdoor leaders for 40 years and have climbed and traveled in many wilderness areas around the world.”

Why Strathcona:

I love the family orientation that Strathcona Park Lodge has made a priority,” he says. “The Lodge recently celebrated its 50th year in existence and COLT has been going for 37 years strong. Not many businesses have stayed in one family or even been in existence this long. I very much value being a part of something that is much bigger than myself. At the same time, there is much room for self expression and there are places for me to put my own ‘stamp’ on things.”

Favourite place at Strathcona:

Being a mountain and wilderness fan it’s no surprise Jim’s favourite place near Strathcona is an expansive alpine plateau above Buttle Lake called Marble Meadows. Surrounded by big, snowy peaks the lake dotted, rolling area is reached first via a canoe paddle across the lake followed by a grueling uphill hike to the plateau edge. At the right time of year it fills with wildflowers.

Paul Chatterton – Program Director

Hometown:

Vancouver, B.C.; now Campbell River

Typical day on the job:

Paul’s responsibilities may begin with a mail pick up on his way to work or other town business, but mostly he focuses on the logistics of visitors coming to the Lodge. With up to 4500 school kids and hundreds more summer guests visiting the Lodge each year that’s a lot of people to look after: meals, where they’ll sleep, programming, staffing, buying equipment and maintaining the boats, trails and other equipment they’ll use during their stay.

Claim to fame:

Paul’s number one passion is biking. He owns five of his own and is constantly considering adding to the collection. He grew up on a BMX bike, before discovering mountain biking early in the sports evolution on Vancouver’s famed North Shore. Now he’s just as happy exploring a backwoods logging road on a cyclocross bike as he is racing on buff singletrack.

Why Strathcona:

It’s all about diversity. “There are always new things I can do in my job,” he says. “It’s a small enough staff that I can take on new rolls. I’m never pigeonholed.” And in his free time he likes that he can be skiing, biking, boating, hiking and surfing all within half an hour of his house.

Favourite place at the Lodge:

The main viewpoint on the Ridgeline Trail. “It looks down on the Lodge and out on the water,” he says. “It gives me a different perspective on what we do here, away from the chaos.”

Dave Jackson – Chief Instructor

Hometown:

Hudson, Quebec

Typical day on the job:

As the co-chief instructor, with Sebastian, Dave’s job varies considerably with the seasons. In late winter and early spring he’s hiring staff and preparing equipment and infrastructure for the coming season. When guests are on property – from April until November – he’s training staff and making sure the leaders and instructors have everything they need – gear, food, etc. – to run the programs.

Claim to fame:

Dave’s dad taught him to climb when he was eight years old and he got pretty good at it through his teens and early 20s. He won climbing competitions and could climb 5.13 in climbing gyms and 5.12 comfortably outside. He peaked about 10 years ago and now he’s more into water sports.

Stats:

Bachelor of Physical and Health Education at Laurentian University

21 years in Scouts Canada

5.13 climber

Why Strathcona:

Many things keep Dave at Strathcona, not least the community of people that pass through and work there and the Boulding family and the philosophy they instill in the business. “I like that I can directly impact 4,000 people a year,” he says. “I enjoy building a crew and getting to know a group of cool, dynamic and interesting people with lots of energy.” The location’s not bad either: clean air, pristine beauty, quiet and easy access to mountains, lakes and rivers.

Favourite place at the Lodge:

Two little known spots come to mind: a particularly grassy campsite overlooking the water at False Echo campground on Upper Campbell Lake; and a mossy spot just off the Lupine Falls Trail that’s “perfect” for a picnic.

Sebastian Tashiro – Chief Instructor

Hometown:

Goch, Germany

Typical day on the job:

Like Dave Jackson, his co-chief instructor, Sebastian hires, trains and manages the leaders and instructors at the Lodge. The duo share responsibilities, dividing tasks to each’s strengths: Dave handles most of the water based activities and Sebastian focuses more on the land. Both are as likely to be found hanging from a tree replacing hardware on a zip-line or loading canoes on a trailer as working on schedules in their office.

Claim to fame:

One of the few employees that end up at Strathcona by accident. He and his girlfriend Julia were traveling in British Columbia looking for jobs. Stumbling upon a job opening at Strathcona he applied and was called for an interview, but the Lodge was not where his directions said it should be and he gave up on the opportunity. They decided to go hiking in Strathcona Park instead and passed the Lodge on their way. He stopped in, interviewed and was offered a job. At first he didn’t want the job, but when they were interested in hiring Julie too, they realized they would be stupid to not jump on the opportunity.

Stats:

Why Strathcona:

Sebastian believes everyone should live as good a life as possible. For him that means finding a balance between making a living, protecting the environment and having a positive impact on society. The Lodge comes closest to that balance of anywhere he’s been.

Favourite place at the Lodge:

The Bedwell Lake area in Strathcona Park. “I can go there again and again,” he says. “There are so many peaks, waterfalls and meadows.”

Julia Leibold – Manager 0f Instructor and Curriculum Development

Home Town:

Bergkamen, Germany

Typical Day:

Variety is the spice of life and she loves the variety in the day to day work at the Lodge. “It would be a challenge to describe a typical day because there is no such thing for me. But over the course of a year you will see me: being an instructor on a school program, a sea kayak guide for a summer special, a co-instructor in the COLT program, running staff trainings and supervising the practicum program, organizing and fixing gear, helping out with the day to day logistics of the program department, sorting and extending our teaching resources, clean up messes, putting up colorful community posters and it keeps going. It is fun!”

Claim to fame:

Julia wanted to become a life guard so she could go swimming all the time! Julia never became a life guard, but having a beautiful lake right outside her door step came pretty close to the main goal!

Stats:

Bachelor of Arts in Social Psychology and Education – University of Bochum, Germany

Master of Arts in Adventure and Experiential Education – University of Marburg, Germany

13 years of Volleyball!

Trekking and Mountaineering Guide License

Level 2 Sea Kayak Guide – SKABC

Why Strathcona:

Learning something new and being challenged every year is one of the main reason Julia likes working here. “Oftentimes we talk about places away from here as “the real world” because working and living here seems too perfect to be true sometimes. Imagine this: Your way to work is a walk in the woods, amazing food is made for you and you get to enjoy it in company with your friends, your work is fun and rewarding, on your day off you can putter around in the garden in the morning, go along with a group of climbers or kayakers in the afternoon and enjoy a peaceful evening on your porch playing music and listening to the birds. Meanwhile you keep meeting incredible personalities that inspire you to do good for the environment, people and the world. And its real!”

Favourite place at the Lodge:

At the Lodge – my balcony, definitely
In the area – The Burman River

Johana Stark – Office Manager

Hometown:

Born Buenos Aires, Argentina, grew up Red Deer, Alberta

Typical day:

Despite its serene appearance the office is always busy and Johana is in the middle of it all, greeting guests, fielding questions, booking rentals and guides, running the general store, answering the phone and much more.

Claim to fame:

Stand up paddleboard yoga lover. The yoga came first: she’s a certified Hatha and Vinyasa instructor. When she found her passion for combining SUP and yoga flow, there was no turning back. She’s also passionate about natural health care: if you’re feeling sick you might want to ask her for advice. “I’m always walking around with essential oils, doctoring people up,” she says.

Stats:

Degree in psychology from the University of Calgary

Researched knowledge transfer in large organizations for Alberta Health Services.

Why Strathcona:

“It’s really special,” she says. “The setting is truly majestic and the people are amazing. They walk the walk, not just talk the talk. That’s rare.”

Favourite place at the lodge:

The yoga platform on the spit of land between the swimming and boat bays. “It’s a sweet spot, the best place to watch the sunset,” she says.

Scott Ballhorn – Marketing Manager / Outdoor Instructor

Hometown:

Wetaskiwin, Alberta

Typical day on the job:

Scott’s responsibilities vary with the seasons, but the one constant is variety. He could be out capturing video and photos in the morning, updating the website and social media in the afternoon and then teaching kayaking in the evening. As the tech genius on staff he’s often called in when software needs updating or gremlins are messing with computers.

Claim to fame:

His bushy beard is what people know him by – whether its on his face or recently shaved. This Alberta boy also brags cowboy roots: he once helped test bulls to make sure they were ornery enough for the Calgary Stampede. He may not have lasted 8 seconds, but he came home with two cracked ribs.

Stats:

Diploma Outdoor Leadership from Lakeland College Vermillion

Bachelor degree from Thompson Rivers University in Tourism Management.

Why Strathcona:

The people make the job for Scott. The staff is humble but highly accomplished. “They’re down to earth, active and outdoorsy,” he says.

Favourite place:

White water paddling on the Gold River. “It’s a classic,” he says, with something for everyone, beginner to “scary.”

Corrinne Calen- Housekeeping Manager

Hometown:

Born Montreal, Quebec, now Gold River since 1977

Typical day on the job:

Overseeing a crew of up to 10 housekeepers, her chief priority is making sure every every room and cabin is always in top shape.

Claim to fame:

After family Corrinne’s passion is travel. “I love seeing different places…as long as they’re warm.” With her husband she’s been to California, Mexico and Venezuela. They also take advantage of their big backyard, camping, biking and boating all summer. With a group of friends she likes to kayak on the smaller lakes, like Crest and Drum lakes, between the Lodge and Gold River.

Stats:

Never one to sit still for long, after raising two boys, she worked in housekeeping at a provincial health clinic in Gold River. Now she’s bringing her skills to Strathcona Park Lodge’s new housekeeping centre. “I drove past the Lodge so many times, but never thought about working here. I didn’t realize how much there is to do.”

Why Strathcona:

“I like the people. They’re wonderful and welcoming. It’s a great atmosphere.”

Youth Programs

COLT

Strathcona Park Lodge & Outdoor Education Centre

We are a self contained community of more than 20 buildings, 50 or more staff and hundreds of guests. The entire operation is powered by a micro-hydro system, which means we’re highly sensitive to energy conservation. We also treat our own water and heat some of it with passive solar technology.